UK simplifies visa application process for Omani students

(MENAFN - Muscat Daily) After the opening of a visa application centre at Muscat Grand Mall recently, the UK has announced changes to simplify the visa application process for Omani students.

These changes follow the introduction of the Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW), which allows Omani visitors to visit the UK visa-free as long as they complete an online waiver at least 48 hours before travel.

Being double the size of the previous facility, the new centre provides easier customer access. Customers can also use the VIP lounge, which provides a more personal service, for an additional fee, a press release said.

Hugh Robertson, UK Foreign Office Minister, was quoted in the release as saying, ''The new visa centre provides a first class experience for our Omani customers. The centre is much bigger than the old one and will provide far greater comfort, especially for those opting to use the VIP facilities. Last year we welcomed more Omani visitors to the UK than ever before, and we hope our new centre and the EVW system will see that this trend continues.''

H E Jamie Bowden, the British Ambassador to Oman, stated, ''It is fantastic news that we are able to simplify the visa process for Omani students. We have already done the same for Omani tourists and business travellers through the introduction of EVW, and the new application centre completes the transformation.''

EVW has been extremely popular in Oman, with thousands of Omanis benefiting from it since its introduction in January. However, a small number of people make errors when completing the form, which can hamper their travel plans.

The release said that it is essential that when completing an EVW form personal details exactly match those in the traveller's passport, this includes entering all middle names and punctuation. Travel details must also be correct, including the last port of departure.<

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